Chapter 10 Teaching
- Kevin was keenly aware of Timothy's subtle intentions but chose not to delve into them any further.
- "Alright, then. Come, sit with me, and keep me company for a while. After so many years apart, it's a joy to finally see you again," Kevin said, his voice carrying a mixture of warmth and nostalgia.
- "Yes, Grandpa Kevin!" Timothy replied, his voice filled with respect. Rather than finding a chair, he crouched down before Kevin, his gaze unwavering.
- "Do you remember one of the pieces of wisdom I often shared with you?" Kevin's voice was gentle but held a hint of expectation. He made a concerted effort to straighten his body and inched closer to Timothy with a look of earnest anticipation.
- Timothy nodded with a solemn expression and said softly, "I will never forget your teachings, Grandpa Kevin."
- "Let's hear it, then," Kevin said with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with a blend of amusement and affection. He reached out and gave Timothy's shoulder a reassuring pat. Despite his past lackluster performance, Kevin had always harbored a deep affection for him.
- "Those who lie low for long will eventually soar high; those who pioneer early will wither alone,'" Timothy recited the words with reverence.
- "Excellent! You remember it well. That brings me great joy!" Kevin said, nodding with satisfaction. He continued, "This was the only piece of advice I ever gave you. Have you been able to gain any deeper understanding from it?"
- Timothy straightened his posture and responded with thoughtful seriousness, "It means that long-term patience and honing one's abilities lead to profound achievements when the time is right. When the moment arrives, one can ascend to great heights!"
- "Exactly!" Kevin exclaimed, his approval evident in the enthusiastic nodding. "Things that remain hidden for a long time, when they eventually come to light, will inevitably soar to great heights. In contrast, things that are prematurely developed often face swift decline and dissolution."
- His words seemed to be talking about Timothy's journey from obscurity to prominence, as well as the journeys of other younger members of the Lavette Family.
- "Life's experiences and the discovery of our inner treasures are much like aging wine. The longer it ages, the more its aroma and flavor deepen. It must be allowed to ferment and mature over time to reach its full potential," Kevin said, his gaze thoughtful.
- "Rest assured, Grandpa Kevin, I will hold your words close to my heart!" Timothy replied earnestly. He had never doubted the wisdom in his grandfather's teachings, which he considered to be profound truths.
- Observing Timothy's earnest demeanor, Kevin felt a profound sense of satisfaction. From the moment he had seen his beloved grandson earlier that day, he had recognized a remarkable transformation, and the regal aura Timothy exuded was something that could no longer be concealed.
- Next, they engaged in a very casual conversation while Timothy spent the entire time massaging Kevin's legs. They chatted about various interesting topics, and whenever something particularly amusing came up, Kevin would burst into hearty laughter.
- While Timothy was chatting with Kevin, Lilian, and Connor arrived at the Lavette Family Residence simultaneously.
- Connor wanted to exchange a few words with Lilian, but he was quickly surrounded by the younger members of the Lavette Family and escorted to the outer hall. There, his parents promptly called him away, leaving Lilian to search for Timothy.
- "Lilian!" Margot's voice rang out once more.
- Lilian turned toward the sound, her face lighting up with recognition as she spotted Margot. "Margot, where's Timothy? Has he gone somewhere?" Lilian asked, her concern evident in her voice.
- "Timmy went to see Kevin," Margot replied, her voice tinged with worry. "He should be talking with him now!"
- The mention of Timothy's whereabouts seemed to darken her mood further, revealing the underlying unease she felt. She had just witnessed the subtle but unmistakable signs of the Lavette Family's mistreatment toward Timothy earlier, and it had cast a heavy shadow over her.
- Lilian, perceptive and intuitive, immediately sensed the disquiet in Margot's tone. Her eyes, sharp and focused, scrutinized her expression. Without any hesitation, she asked directly, "What happened just now? Tell me everything."
- She realized she had arrived too late. It seemed that the Lavette Family had already begun their assault on Timothy.
- Margot's face flushed with a mix of frustration and indignation as she recounted the events. Her words tumbled out in a rapid flow, each sentence revealing the unfair treatment Timothy had endured at the hands of the Lavette Family.
- Listening intently, Lilian's exquisite features darkened with fury. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, swept over the distant figures of the Lavette Family members. She silently vowed to remember each slight and offense, keeping a mental tally of those who had wronged Timothy.
- As the seconds ticked by, the conversation between Kevin and Timothy drew to a close.
- It was not that Timothy found himself at a loss for words. Rather, the sight of Kevin struggling visibly with fatigue rendered him speechless. He spoke with great effort, each word emerging through labored breaths and intermittent coughs. Observing this, Timothy decided to leave Kevin in peace and make his way out of the room.
- Gently, he assisted Kevin in settling onto the bed. He meticulously adjusted the covers, ensuring his grandfather was comfortable and warm. Just as he prepared to open the door, he was abruptly halted by Kevin's weak but insistent call, "Timothy!"
- The sound of his name made him freeze mid-motion, his hand still grasping the door handle. He turned back, ready to return to Kevin's side.
- "There’s no need to come back over," Kevin said, gesturing for him to stay by the door. "I just have a few words to say."
- "Grandpa Kevin, please, speak your mind. I'm here and listening," he replied earnestly and stood attentively.
- Kevin's eyes, though tired, held a sharpness that conveyed his deep concern. "I've seen the changes in you since your return. It’s clear you’ve found a path that suits you, one with vast growth opportunities. But remember this: always remain cautious. Human hearts are unpredictable and treacherous!" he warned.
- Timothy listened intently, absorbing the gravity of his words. "I understand, Grandpa Kevin. I won't forget your advice!" he promised.
- He knew the wisdom in Kevin's words. Life was rarely a smooth journey. In times of success, many would rally to support one, but in moments of adversity, true allies were scarce. Kevin's counsel was a timely reminder to keep his eyes open and his heart guarded.
- "Very well," Kevin said with a faint, reassuring smile. "When you leave, please ask Simon to come in and see me."
- "Certainly, Grandpa Kevin. Please take care of yourself," Timothy said, casting a final, worried glance at Kevin.
- He silently resolved to arrange for a physician from the Primordial Palace to visit the next day and ensure Kevin's health was thoroughly examined.
- With that thought in mind, he finally opened the door and stepped out. As he reached the doorway, he heard Kevin's voice echo once more from behind him. "The sky is vast, and the birds can fly freely. The ocean is boundless, and the fish can leap at will. With the right wind, you can rise to great heights!"
- A hearty laugh followed, but Timothy couldn’t shake a nagging sense of unease. It felt familiar, like a premonition of loss. Though he couldn’t quite place what it was, the feeling grew stronger and stronger!
- However, he still obeyed Kevin's instructions and summoned Simon to the room.
- After doing everything, he headed out, unaware that inside the room, Kevin had coughed up blood which made the bed sheets stained crimson.